Colonial Hospitality Chalkware

During the Colonial period in America, the pineapple became a symbol of warm welcome and hospitality. When the trade routes were first opened in the 17th century between the Caribbean Islands and America, pineapples were one of the popular fruits imported because of their exotic appearance. Rare, it showed status and wealth to have a ripe pineapple for guests during social gathering and, at times, sea captains would place a pineapple outside of their home to signify a safe return from the Pacific trade routes. Today, many Vaillancourt Santas have been modified to embrace the colonial symbol of hospitality.